DGP hints at stern action against SIMI, Bajrang Dal

DGP hints at stern action against SIMI, Bajrang Dal
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NAGPUR, MARCH 25: State Director General of Police (DGP) Subhashchandra Malhotra on Saturday hinted at strict action against all organisations in the State that pose a threat to national security. Malhotra did not rule out the possibility of such action being taken against Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) along with the Students’ Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

Replying to a specific query regarding the activities of SIMI in the state, the DGP said both Muslim and Hindu fundamentalist organisations were active in the region. When asked if action could be contemplated against Bajrang Dal and VHP also, the DGP did not rule out the possibility. Malhotra went on to add that religion or party affiliations won’t come in the way of action against any organisation.

Speaking informally to scribes here, Malhotra said the recent riots in the state were being viewed in all seriousness by the Government and its response to them would soon be evident. The DGP was in the city to inaugurate the ‘Community Policing’ programme of the city police. Malhotra said the state police aims at getting increasing participation of the public in law enforcement in the coming year. The current ‘Saujanya Saptah’ is part of this exercise, he added. The idea of community participation was born out of the paucity of police personnel, Malhotra said, adding that the idea has caught the imagination of people the world over.

Under the programme, the first three months will be used in introducing the people to the police machinery. In the second quarter, programmes for the welfare of women and weaker sections of the society will be implemented. Special emphasis will be on containing violence against women, he said.

Social harmony will be the focal point in the third quarter. Attempts will be made to bring people from all castes and religions together and emphasise the need for tolerance. The last quarter will be devoted to crime prevention, Malhotra added.